The AFL-CIO endorsed Barack Obama for president Thursday, uniting the nation's 15 million union workers behind the Illinois senator and giving him full access to labor's massive bank accounts and political machinery. As expected, the leaders of the nation's largest labor organization voted unanimously to endorse the Illinois senator, freeing the organization and its 56 unions to spend parts of its $200 million war chest on his campaign. "We're proud to stand with Sen. Obama to help our nation chart a course that will improve life for generations of working people and our children," said John Sweeney, the AFL-CIO's president. Union support is key for Democratic candidates because of labor's ability to turn out union voters and deep pockets.
See "AFL-CIO endorses Obama for president", Jesse J. Holland, San Francisco Chronicle, June 25, 2008